File for Your Marriage Certificate In all the chaos (and the magic!) Fill out all spaces on the form except for the judges signature. TexasLawHelp.org has compiled answers to common questions about changing your gender marker and/or name. If you are wondering how to change your name on your passport, the answer depends on the situation. Something went wrong. Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. You can call the clerks office ahead of time to learn the filing fee for your case. Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. If you need assistance with any of the papers, consult an attorney or anonline legal service. Yes. All rights reserved. This is important because you want to select a name you will be comfortable with for the rest of your life. The clerk will keep the original and give you back your copies. Get instructions and do-it-yourself child name change forms here: I want to change my child's name. My name is misspelled on my birth certificate. A. Not for sale. If the other parents rights have been terminated, they do not need to be notified. The judge will swear you in and review your forms. Do I need a court order to change my name? SeeTexas Family Code 45.103(b)(2). Enter the name and street address of the person getting the name change. Check your state court website for filing fee details. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. If you want to change your name because you got married, all you need to do is show your marriage certificate to request the change. Turn in your Petition and other starting forms (and copies). Frequently asked questions about changing a child's name. How do I change my name if Im not divorcing? For parents and guardians. A. We'll mail your free replacement card after we update your record. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Divorce . If you're changing your name due to marriage, the first thing you need to do is contact Social Security. You will have to pay a fee to file the documents, so come prepared with a method of payment that is accepted by the court. No. This kit provides instructions and self-help forms to change your sex/gender identifier. Residents must initiate a name change action by filing documents with the Bexar County District Clerk. By using this website, you agree not to sell or make a profit in any way from any information or forms that you obtained through this website. If a court order has terminated the other parents parental rights and no one else has been named as the managing conservator or legal guardian of the child, use these instructions and forms to change your childs name: Instructions & Forms for Child Name Change One parent filing Other parent dead or rights terminated. You must also hire a lawyer to serve as the other parents attorney ad litem. Find out if there are local rules that you need to know for your name change case. How to file for a name change in Texas if you are 18 years or older and want to legally change your name. Once youve got your court order youll still need to change legal documents and inform entities and people who really should know about your new moniker. For example, if you were recently married and you have a marriage license. If youre choosing a completely new surname (if, for example, your last names are McDonald and Martinez you might decide you will both use the name McMartin), you have to go through your states name change process. If you order completion services, the forms will be completed for you based on the information you provide and reviewed by a professional. I was recently divorced. 312-530-8002. However, it is your responsibility to have your official documents (such as your social security card and drivers license or state identification card) changed to show your new name. Legal name change Texas forms are available for adults, minors and families. There is no fee for this process. Though most name changes require a court order,certain instances (e.g., typographical or spelling errors) allow a person toamend a birth certificate through the Texas Vital Statistics office without a court order. How are we doing? All offenses charged above a Class C misdemeanor must be listed in the petition, along with the case number and court of each offense. If you get married in Texas, you can change your name on yourmarriage certificate or licensewithout having to go to court. When you go to the courthouse to get your marriage certificate, the clerk should ask you if you want to change your name. Also keep in mind that you should not change your name to something offensive or confusing. She has worked in law school career services and legal recruiting and has blogged extensively both in and outside the legal industry. Once granted, you can officially use your new name on all government and financial records. Name Change Toolkits (TexasLawHelp.org) The information and forms available on this website are free. TLSC provides free legal services to underserved Texans in need of education, advice, and representation. This is a crucial step; just because your hearing is over, your name isn't officially changed until you file the order. Most divorces include an order permitting this change. This portion of the site is for informational purposes only. Keep in mind that although you have the legal right to use your new name as soon as youre hitched, it takes a while to get the paperwork. Free. Last Updated on January 6, 2023 Overview Instructions & Forms Articles Guide Overview Warning: The information and forms in this guide are not a substitute for the advice and help of a lawyer. Fill out this additional form only if you have a low-income, receive public assistance because you have a low income, or cannot pay the court filing fee: Note: You can print your court forms and fill them out neatly in blue or black ink. See the Understanding the Law box below for resources that help explain the law. When you adopt a child, their name change is completed as part of the adoption process and a birth certificate is issued in their new name. Can I change my name if I have been convicted of a crime? You must get a court order to change your child's name legally. Julia DiPrete is a freelance writer, former BigLaw attorney, unapologetic night owl, and Xennial. Name Change after Marriage If your child still lives in the county where the court order was made, ask the clerk to file your child's name change case using the same cause number. It only changes the name. Notify the appropriate agencies (Social Security Administration, the Bureau of Vital Statistics, Texas Department of Public Safety) of your new name. If you have a library account in good standing, you can check out anOverDrivee-book oraccess our remote databases. Well help you navigate this sometimes complex process. TexasLawHelp.orgis managed by Texas Legal Services Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. You may have to pay an additional fee for a certified copy of the name change. How to serve the initial court papers in a family law matter (such as a divorce, custody, modification, child's name change, or paternity case). Make sure your full new name is listed on the marriage certificate. The reason you are seeking the name change. Call the clerk's office where your license was filed to get a few copies if one wasn't automatically sent to you. Write these numbers at the top of any document you file in your name change case. You must be at least 18 years old to use these forms. You must tell the other parent that you want to change your childs name (unless the other parents parental rights have been terminated). The legal system is complex and it is not possible for TexasLawHelp.org to answer every question. You'll need to submit a personal, cashier's, or certified check, or a money order with your fingerprint card and the petition. 1. A. However, if you want to change your name more than a year after issuance of your passport, use Form DS-82 and include your name change document, photo, your passport and the fee. For most normal life stuff, the states are the ones making the ruleswhich means that answers to questions like How can I legally change my name? depend on the state in which you live. If you want to change the name of your child, you must make sure that the child is under 18 years, resides in Maricopa County, and you are that childs parent or guardian. The word 'incorporated' indicates that a business entity is a corporation. If you need a criminal background check, mail your fingerprint card to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) with a file-stamped copy of your Petition to Change the Name of an Adult with the court. Prepare a Petition to Change Name of an Adult. If you want to change the childs last name, you will need a court order. Subchapter B of chapter 45 governs name changes for adults. Free. If you want to change your name to your spouse's last name or to a hyphenated version of your last name and their last name because you got married, all you need to do is show. The judge signs this form to legally change your name. Here, learn the steps for legally changing a child's name in Texas. This information is intended for Texansseeking information about adult name changes. Learn about methods for legally changing your name, and when it is an option to change a name. 8. Usually, yes. Women want to change their last names after divorce for various reasons. What if I just need to correct the spelling of my childs name on his or her birth certificate? For more information, visit Address Confidentiality Program. Fill out all the spaces on the forms unless instructed otherwise. You can only change your name back to the name you legally used before your marriage. of the wedding day, it can be easy to overlook completing the. How? Learn more about how to register from home. Free. What If My Name Change Request Is Denied? If you are filing for a name change for yourself and you are not married you must provide notice to any interested party. If you are married, you must get a consent form from your spouse signed and notarized or hand deliver to your spouse or send the application by certified mail. Fill out the appropriate form . Instructions to Change the Name of an Adult. A letter that includes: Your vehicle information. My Ex Interferes With My Visitation time: Can I Get Sole Custody. Especially if you want to change it. They will not change your name without a court order. Name Changes and Criminal History Learn about changing your name in Texas when you have a criminal history. After that has been approved, you will wait for the judge to call your name. By using this website, you agree not to sell or make a profit in any way from any information or forms that you obtained through this website. Just keep in mind that there are differences between state processes for how to legally change your name, and you should consider speaking with an attorney for legal assistance. How much does it cost to file a child name change case? You will have to sign this form under penalty of perjury. If I change my childs last name to the biological fathers last name, can I add the biological father to my childs birth certificate? Make copies of the court papers. You must have one in order for it to be changed. There will be a fee for this service. Legal notice (service) of the petition is required for the childs parent (whose rights have not been terminated), managing conservator, or guardian. of your new legal name. Tochange your namein Texas, you must meet the following requirements and show proof that: Name changestake anywhere from a few days to six months, depending on how busy your local district court is. Best Credit Cards for International Travel. For minor changes to your first or middle name, get an application to amend your birth certificate from the Texas Bureau of Vital Statistics (www.dshs.state.tx.us). Both of these require a fee as well. As the great William Shakespeare once penned, Whats in a name? As it turns out, a lot. Keep in mind that you may also have to pay a fee to a newspaper for publication in addition to the court filings. Finally, some judges might consider your case on submission, meaning they will simply review your paperwork to make a decision. For adults. While you have the freedom to change your name at any time, there are limitations on the new name you can choose for yourself. Information on the laws for those who plan to get married or are married in Texas. This article provides information on protected sensitive data; data that appears in public records; and sealing records. How do I legally change my child's name? Free. You can ask a judge to make a court order by filing a child name change case. DPS will send the results directly to the court. Yes. Youwill likely berequired to submit a certified copy of your marriage license, which you can obtain through thecounty clerk's office. To change your last name, you will need a court order. The clerk will write your Cause Number and Court Number at the top of the first page of your Petition. Digital strategy, design, and development byFour Kitchens. Theres a reason were talking about documents before the name change process, and if youve ever shown up unprepared at the DMV, you know why. Free form and instructions on filing the Statement are available at www.texaslawhelp.org. Do I need a court order to change my name? you requested a name that is obscene, misleading, confusing, etc. These steps take time, but they're important. Please take our patron satisfaction survey! They are not for sale. How to legally change the name of a child under 18. The agency will have rules on how to update your documents with your new name. Every state has its own laws and processes for carrying out those laws. If you are a registered sex offender, you must attach a completed sex offender registration update to the petition. The name change is not automatic; you must request it (or agree to it) as part of your divorce petition, waiver, or answer. You can file the request together if the other parent agrees to the name change. This process is complicated and can be expensive. By using this website, you agree not to sell or make a profit in any way from any information or forms that you obtained through this website. To change your name on your voter registration card, notify your County Voter Registrar in writing. The reason for the change of name must be lawful and "in the public interest." This allows a person to obtain a decree from their local court and change their name on their bank accounts, credit cards, and government agencies. Once you have your documents in order, head to the court and file them with the clerk of court. The court filing fee may be between $150 - $300 depending on where you live. If a judge agrees, they will give you a court order that states your new legal name. A person can also choose to change their name through the courts. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. These guides and articles walk you through changing an adult or a child's name. If proof of the name change is required, a name change certificate can be obtained from the district court clerk for a small fee. They are not for sale. You will be required to attend a name change hearing. There will be multiple people present at this hearing requesting their own name changes. Follow these steps to have your name legally changed by a court. If you are going through your state name change procedure though its likely that frequently changing your name will raise some questions for the court and unless you can provide a good reason for the current change, it could be denied or the court could ask a lot of questions and make the process challenging.
